ELCIC National Bishop congratulates new United Church of Canada moderator on election; lifts up importance of partnership for the two churches



Winnipeg, 18 August 2012 — In a letter sent yesterday, ELCIC National Bishop Susan C. Johnson sent greetings and congratulated Rev. Dr. Gary Paterson on his election as the new moderator of the United Church of Canada.

Rev. Paterson, minister at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United in Vancouver, BC is the 41st Moderator of the United Church of Canada. He was elected on Friday on the sixth ballot. The United Church of Canada met for its 41st General Council August 11-18 in Ottawa.

In her letter, Bishop Johnson reflected on Rev. Patersons address to the General Council assembly upon election and his references to the importance of partnership.

The image of partnership is important to me and to our church, said Bishop Johnson. It is also profoundly important to our time in history. Together with you, we seek the visible unity of Christs church as a credible witness to our time.

I look forward to our continued partnership in ministry in reflection of Gods mission in the world, stated Bishop Johnson.

The ELCIC and the United Church of Canada work together in a number of program areas and through a range of ecumenical councils and organizations including KAIROS, the Canadian Council of Churches and World Council of Churches.

A copy of Bishop Johnson’s letter can be viewed here:
https://www.elcic.ca/Documents/201208UCCLetter.pdf